PGRWB 10 Dr Huw Jones Jenkins

Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon, a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol | Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee

Bil Gwahardd Rasio Milgwn (Cymru) | Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill

1. What are your views on the general principles of the Bill, and whether there is a need for legislation to deliver the stated policy intention?

• Greyhound racing is, quite simply, cruel. I strongly support the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill and believe the ban should take effect within 12 months of the legislation coming into force.
• Allowing racing to continue until 2030 is far too long. Each extra year means more dogs will be bred, raced, injured, or killed, and put greater pressure on rescue and rehoming organisations.
• The welfare sector is ready: The Wales Greyhound Partnership (WGP), made up of nine animal welfare charities, have demonstrated they have the capacity to safely rehabilitate and rehome all affected dogs within a year.
• The WGP has the capacity to rehabilitate and rehome up to 258 dogs. With an average rehoming time of just two months, and 120 greyhounds successfully rehomed since its formation, the partnership has clearly demonstrated that it is highly possible to rehome dogs affected by the ban in a significantly shorter timeframe than that currently proposed in the legislation.
• In New Zealand, in the penultimate year of racing (2024/2025) before the country’s own ban takes effect, injuries to greyhounds rose sharply: more than 800 dogs were injured, including 114 broken bones, and 17 deaths, making it the deadliest year for greyhounds since the industry was placed on notice. This demonstrates that racing can often intensify when under threat, and Wales must work to prevent the same.
• A clear, firm end date gives both the industry and rescue groups time to prepare responsibly while protecting dogs from further harm.
• It is important that the penalties under the legislation act as a strong deterrent to prevent racing from continuing illegally, and that the law is flexible to apply to individuals involved — including trainers and owners of any greyhound raced or trialled in Wales, as well as track operators and organisers.